Assistant AG- Technical Research, Accounting Standards and Policy (FMG/PA 4)

The Assistant Accountant General, Technical Research, Standards and Policy is responsible for leading the Technical Research, Accounting Standards, and Policy Unit.

Job Title:                     Assistant Accountant General – Technical Research, Accounting Standards and Policy

Grade: FMG/PA 4

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE

The Government Accounting and Reporting Division is responsible for adoption and compliance with cash basis International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS); consolidated fiscal accounting and reporting; banking authorizations and arrangements; consolidation of Government cash resources; and oversight for Government shareholdings in public bodies. 

This division is the seat of Government accounting standards, ensuring that IPSAS are adhered to throughout the public sector; that effective financial systems and procedures are established throughout the public sector are being consistently followed, and are in line with best practice and legal requirements; that Government accounts and reports are prepared according to set regulations, laws and guidelines; that the annual financial statements and consolidated fiscal reports are prepared and presented to the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service and other stakeholders.

It is responsible for the closure of all non-revenue Government bank accounts to theTSA; the issuance of authority for the opening and closing of accounts; the management of the Government’s banking arrangements to consolidate the vast majority, if not all Government accounts in a single account or a set of linked accounts to permit a daily consolidated view of Government’s cash balances; and to ensure that revenues due to the Government are paid into theTSA/ Consolidated Fund without delay.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensures effective monitoring of public financial management metrics, pronouncements and changes to International Accounting Standards, and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP),
• Oversees implementation and maintenance of, IPSAS, relevant accounting and financial instructions, policies and procedures;
• Ensures research and analysis are conducted to provide expert advice on policy initiatives and research databases are maintained.
• Oversees the implementation of best international practices for improving the Government’s Accounting and Financial Management System.
• Ensures the development of financial policies and the issuance of Circulars to maintain effective systems for public financial management and the overall maintenance of financial management systems.
• Oversees the maintenance of the Chart of Accounts to ensure international financial reporting standards are met;
• Maintains a network with colleagues from the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service, Government officials, and the academic society to leverage knowledge and best practices for the implementation of public financial management policies and standards.
• Implements and enforces policies and procedures of the organization by way of systems that will improve the overall operation and effectiveness of the unit and the AGD;
• Conducts research and recommends changes to policies, procedures and systems to enhance the functioning of the unit and Department;
• Assists with the preparation of the Department’s annual Strategic Plan and budget, and supports the Deputy Accountant General, Government Accounting and Reporting to deliver the Division’s Operational Plan in an accurate and timely manner;
• Prepares and monitors the Unit’s operational plan and budget ensuring the work of the unit is carried out according to plan, and agreed targets achieved;
• Establishes and implements systems for reporting of work done against stated and agreed work plans;
• Assists with the establishment of internal control processes required to manage and grow the Division;
• Deputizes for the Deputy Accountant General, Government Accounting and Reporting, as and when required.
  • Leads in the smooth and efficient operation of the unit through the management of daily operations;
  • Establishes and implements systems for reporting work done against stated and agreed work plans for the Unit;
  • Establishes internal control processes required to manage and grow the unit;
  • Meets or exceeds unit performance targets.
  • Plans, organizes and directs the work of the Unit by overseeing the development of performance targets for the Unit and staff, based on the corporate Strategic Plan;
  • Ensures that the Unit’s staff have sufficient and appropriate physical resources to enable them to undertake their duties efficiently and effectively;
  • Provides leadership and guidance through effective planning, delegation, communication, training, mentoring, coaching and disciplinary action;
  • Participates in the recruitment of staff for the Unit;
  • Recommends transfer, promotion, termination and leave in accordance with established Human Resource Policies and Procedures;
  • Identifies competency gaps and collaborates with the Manager Training and Development to develop and implement Staff Development and Succession Plans for the unit to ensure adequate staff capacity;
  • Monitors job specific and environmental factors, implements and promotes health and safety policies; and mitigates and minimizes workplace hazards;
  • Monitors the performance of staff and ensures effective and objective staff performance management, through timely and accurate completion of the staff appraisal process, including periodic reviews;
  • Ensures that welfare issues of unit staff are clearly identified and addressed.
  • Any other related duty that may be assigned from time to time

Minimum Qualification and Training

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting/Management Studies with Accounting or BBA Degree from an accredited University or; ACCA Level 2

Experience and Knowledge:

• At least 8 years of experience in Accounting;
• At least 5 years of experience working at the management level in Accounting or Finance, with at least 2 years in the public sector;
• Training in policy analysis, research theory, and methodologies
• Experience in Research, Policy Analysis and Development;
• Comprehensive knowledge of Accounting practices and applications;
• In-depth knowledge and experience in all areas of financial management;
• Comprehensive knowledge of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) or International Financial Reporting Standards;
• Experience in budget management and Chart of Accounts formulation and maintenance;
• Knowledge of the Finance Administration and Audit Act (FAA Act) and other relevant Acts and regulations;

Desirable

• Knowledge of Government Accounting
• Knowledge of public treasury operations
• Knowledge and experience in project management

KEY COMPETENCIES:

• Accounting and Reporting
• Project Management
• Knowledge of Legislation, Policies, and Procedures
• Knowledge of Research methodologies
• Leadership
• Performance Management
• Emotional Intelligence

SPECIAL CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE JOB

Physical Demands

Pressured working conditions with numerous critical deadlines

Work Environment

Normal office conditions